Word Origin & History

witchcraft O.E. wiccecræft, from wicce (see witch) + cræft "power, skill" (see craft). Witchcraft was first declared a crime in Eng. law in 1542; trials there peaked in 1580s and 1640s but fell sharply after 1660. The last, in 1717, ended in acquittal. The Witchcraft Act was repealed 1736.

Example Sentences for witchcraft

Witchcraft and sorcery he called it, and in Zuñi to be accused of witchcraft is death.

At first the Hurons believed the Delaware had been thus deformed by witchcraft.

They were obliged to say, that these miracles were wrought by witchcraft and the devil.

He waged war against astrology, alchemy, witchcraft, and like impostures.

Now, I do verily believe there is witchcraft in the tender passion.

On them the dark machinations of witchcraft, and the sullen spirits of darkness have no power.

"Excuse me, I—" said Hal, with an uncanny feeling that there was witchcraft somewhere.